1.09.2009

The Resolutions – Part Two

I wanted to comment a bit on my resolution to not make any new purchases for three months, as I think it might be freaking people out just a smidge... My ultimate motivation for this seemingly crazy undertaking is two-fold.

First, I see it as sort of a “money cleanse.” Most Americans go to the gym religiously in January to make up for all sorts of gastronomical sins, and while I certainly eat a lot over the holidays, I seem to have a bigger issue with spending -- that extra bottle of wine at the grocery store, one more gift for the girls, a few more ornaments for the tree... No matter how diligent I’ve been prior, I somehow lose all focus and get caught up in the abundance of December. Come January, I end up feeling totally bogged down in stuff. So this is partially a sort of purchasing “crash diet.”

My other motivation is environmental. I didn’t put lots of specific “green” resolutions on my list this year, but I’m committed to several things that directly relate to my goal to “minimize.” I’ve totally eschewed ziplock bags (I found a little trio of storage containers that’s perfect for packing the girls' lunches waste free.) I’m also striving to never accept a plastic or paper bag when I’m shopping, which is much harder than I thought, as while I’ve amassed a nice collection of reusable shoppers, I still haven’t mastered remembering to actually take them with me every time I leave the house. But after reading this article in the Washington Post a few months ago, I realized my thinking was a bit skewed… Purchasing something I don’t truly need makes a much bigger environmental impact than taking home yet another mindless purchase in a environmentally correct canvas bag. These two lines from the article run through my head on a pretty regular basis:

"They could still, in this recession-wary economy, where everyone tries to cut back, subscribe to the crazy notion that conservation was about . . . conserving. Says Garrett, "The greenest products are the ones you don't buy."

Honestly I’m not really scared of this undertaking, as it’s not my first time. I actually did a three month spending hiatus at the start of 2008, and it was extremely rewarding and successful. But then the hiatus ended and (despite my efforts to create a seemingly fool-proof plan for mindful purchasing moving forward), I kind of lost my focus… So in addition to my “holiday cleansing” and environmental motivations, this is sort of a do-over from last year.

You also might notice that I'm planning to officially start the spending hiatus on January 10th to account for the fact that I did take advantage of the amazing, amazing sales happening right now (really, in all of my years as a *very* good consumer, I have never seen discounts like these.)

In full disclosure, here’s a list of everything I’ve purchased since Christmas:

A couple of pretty house plants, including a miniature Meyer lemon tree (I always crave some new greenery in January to fill the void left by the absent Christmas tree)

A pair of killer brown suede tall boots to tuck my jeans into (I’ll share a picture later, as they are truly stunning)

3 new “dress over jeans” tops from Calypso and Barneys respectively that were so deeply discounted that they were cheaper than your average top from the Gap.

As of this Saturday I. go. cold. turkey. Anyone care to join me? We could start a support group!

38 comments:

I think it's an admirable resolution, and a really good way to start being more mindful about your purchases (something I usually try to do, but it dissolved pre-holidays). I'd like to join you, but can I make an exception for used things? I don't know if I can give up my flea market shopping cold turkey. Isn't it terrible that I have to put caveats on this?

I made a similar resolution this year so I appreciate this post a lot. You've put my jumbled thoughts on this issue into words! I hadn't thought about the environmental aspect, but that article from the Washington Post is great. Thanks for sharing!

Oh, I need to be a spending freeze as well! I am like you. I will buy little purchases here and there, and by the end of the month, I am out of cash! it's ridiculous... I am in for a spending cleanse. Although I might be moving in a month so that will get tricky. But up until that point, I will try. Starting sunday :)

i tried my very hardest to follow your lead last year and was pretty successful. but this time around i have baby on the way so know i won't be as good at resisting purchases. HOWEVER, i am trying to buy as many gently used baby things when appropriate (strollers, high chair, diapers...kidding) so hopefully that counts for something!

I will try. I totally get this post. I'm the same. I had a couple of major spending sprees last year that I am not at all proud of. They leave me depressed. I'm all for joining you in the 3 month no extra buying (because I have to buy groceries ;) And yes. I get the January 10th start date. Because I took advantage of a few sales as well. So my no-spend spree starts tomorrow with you. Here we go...

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who gets all the way to the store with her reusable totes in hand, only to forget them in the car and then not remember until i'm in the checkout lane... This no spending thing is a very good resolution. I'm just trying to wrap my head around no new things for three months...best of luck!

I think it's a great idea & I'm totally on board. I find that when I'm not mindful of what I buy I end up with crap like a shirt from Target that's cute but gets worn once maybe twice... I would much rather save that $$ for a trip or if I need* some new attire a really nice piece that's made well & will last for a while. *I really don't need anything in the clothing department but I do have to be realistic!! Good luck!

Hi. I just found your blog tonight and love it! I also saw the previous post about Wheaten Terriers...I have one, a 3 year old named Riggs. They are the absolute best dogs in the world! You should so get one! Good luck with all of your resolutions! You are super woman to make them all happen!

You are an absolute inspiration and while I can't commit to a three month spending freeze, I will commit to making wiser spending choices. I will stop buying things for the sake of buying them or because they're too cheap not to buy. Thank you for motivating me to do something I wanted to do but didn't have the guts to put into words. Good luck!

Good for you, and good luck. I might try to do something smaller, maybe a month, and see how it goes. With birthdays coming up, that may be hard.

I'm with you on the bag thing, and I will tell you what has saved me. Grocery shopping is no problem - I keep my gazillion bags in the car, and even if I initially forget to bring them in the store (cough, not that that ever happens to me, cough), it's just a quick jog out to the car. No, it's the little things - something from the pharmacy, the hardware store, the post office - that's where I get killed. I bought 2 of these, and they live in the bottom of my purse, and they are brilliant! In their little stuff sack, they are about the size of 2 Tic Tac boxes, and they hold tons - and they are cheaper than a lot of other trendy and pricey bags out there.

http://www.chicobag.com/p-16-chicobag-original-series.aspx

Of course, I'm realizing that I'm telling you to spend money on something just as you start your "diet" - oops! Well, maybe later!

M -- great idea on the purse bags...i'll definitely consider them after the hiatus ;-) acutally i do pretty good at the drugstore etc, as i carry a HUGE purse and just stick it all in there. the checker always looks at me like i'm crazy, but it works!

I ALWAYS forget my reusable bags... always. I need to put them in the car so they're just a jog away (great idea M). For the lunches, have you looked at Laptop Lunches(www.laptoplunches.com) ? I bought one for Jack this fall and have LOVED it, plus it has saved me tons by not buying those little snack sizes of Goldfish and whatnot and now I don't use any baggies. I actually found it cheaper on eBay and bought it there. Just a thought.

Good luck on the spending hiatus - wish I could join you, but I'm not quite brave enough! I'll be anxious to hear how it's going in future posts!

i am in! this has constantly been on my mind since the first mention so I believe this will be my sort of fast. oh, and i too will remember to actually bring my shopping bags to the store. thank you for your inspiration!

Great idea! Here it started with a conscious effort to use everything in the pantry and freezer before adding more because "it looked good". So far so good. Being frugal and ressourceful always fills me up with the greatest sense of accomplishment.Happy New Year and the best to you for 2009!

You are so right. It is great to change your lightbulbs and turn off the water when you brush your teeth. But really? To make real change we all need to do things differently and with less. So hard, though!

I am putting our family (and myself) on a spend freeze for 30 -days my limits are "frivolous" spending. Like you I am such a sucker for a little this and a little that. Pick up a magazine at the grocery store, a snack for the kids at the mall, Starbucks here and there and clothes that are purchased when we don't need anything and I shouldn't be looking anyway! You are what you "eat" or consume... and if I'm not consuming all of the time, hopefully it will make it easier for the whole year!

when the urge strikes to spend, will your heart start to race, you hand start to shake, beads of sweat drip off your forehead or will you be as cool as a cucumber.I'm so game, sign me up. Bring it on, the game, the challenge and the support. When's the Shopaholic meeting?Already No dining out, all meals prepared. Saving lots.

Wow! I just read this and I swear, a few minutes ago I blogged about trying to not shop for a whole month! I guess it's late to join your support group but I'll definitely read up on your blog to get advice on how to control the urge!!

The rules I gave myself were - no new things, except toiletries, food, home improvements, entertainment (like going to the movies with friends), and beauty services (like getting my eyebrows done. I can't stop that! LOL).